When it comes to video game development, it’s fascinating to see how much the console wars have changed and developed over the simpler days of the medium. Sega and Nintendo initially led the pack, but it wasn’t long until Sony and Microsoft jumped into the fray in massive ways.
Another brand that needs to be mentioned in this regard is Microsoft’s Xbox has grown into an amazing console and it looks to have a bright future. The hardware capabilities of a console are important to consumers, but the exclusive franchises that pop up on each system are also a major way to bolster sales.
Updated on June 8, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: Many people love the Xbox and how Microsoft has pushed many important aspects of gaming culture like a riveting online community, support for indie developers, and the idea of gaming being accessible to all by releasing a console that is budget-friendly. However, there are some people who feel that there is one aspect where Xbox is lagging behind its competitors—namely, the fact that they simply don't have too many big-name exclusives to boast about. While there is some truth to this statement, there's no denying that the Xbox has many franchises exclusive to their console that are a blast to play in their own right.
13 Ninety-Nine Nights (Average Metacritic Score: 53)
Ninety-Nine Nights and its sequel, Ninety-Nine Nights 2 were popular hack-and-slash titles for the Xbox 360 that come from prolific game designer, Tetsuya Mizuguchi. The bloody and busy fantasy titles operate at a breakneck pace that was very appealing back during the 360’s life.
Hack-and-slash action games have evolved a lot over the past generation, which is likely why Ninety-Nine Nights hasn’t seen a comeback. That being said, the games are still an interesting series from their time and there are still fans for the titles out there.
12 NightCaster (Average Metacritic Score: 54)
NightCaster and NightCaster 2: Equinox were valiant efforts to cash in one third-person RPG genre. Xbox still needed more titles in the genre and while the NightCaster games can feel derivative at times, they're not without their charms.
The series does a good job in terms of the magical abilities and dangerous monsters that are encountered, but the gameplay is problematic. NightCaster 2 came out only a year after its predecessor, but its addition of two-player cooperative play makes it a more enjoyable experience, even if it couldn’t keep the franchise alive.
11 Steel Battalion (Average Metacritic Score: 64)
Xbox’s Steel Battalion franchise is mostly brought up in terms of its odd sensibilities and the fact that the original game in the series features one of the most expensive and elaborate game controllers ever made.
Steel Battalion offers an incredibly immersive simulation game, but even though the series caters to niche interests, several titles have been made. The biggest shame is that the first two games in the series have scores in the high 70s and 80s, whereas the latest title on the Xbox 360 drags down the average with its middling score in the 30s.
10 Blinx The Time Sweeper (Average Metacritic Score: 69)
Mascot platformers are a genre of gaming that can really connect with audiences. It’s become more of a lost art, but the appeal of stumbling upon the next Mario or Sonic is too tempting to ignore. The Xbox has struggled in this regard, but that’s not because they never tried.
Blinx the Time Sweeper and its sequel are third-person platformers that showcase ridiculous characters and a sprawling scope as Blinx must save Dimension B1Q64 & his damsel in distress. Described as the first “4D video game,” Blinx has faded into obscurity and isn’t likely to get a next-gen sequel.
9 Crackdown (Average Metacritic Score: 71)
The Crackdown series has its fair share of fans, with the first game being a joyful romp through a simple but engaging open world that prioritized player fun and freedom over everything else. However, it seems that the developers were at a loss on how to innovate on this franchise, given that the two sequels that released since have been fairly unremarkable—even if the second game has its fair share of fans.
Many people feel like the poor critical and commercial performance of the third game has served as the final nail in the coffin for this series. It's a shame since the Crackdown series has a ton of potential that was never realized despite the breakout success of the first game.
8 Viva Pinata (Average Metacritic Score: 76)
Viva Pinata is a series of party games that were quite a blast to play through, even if more mature console gamers scoffed at the seemingly cute graphics of this title. Players who round up a group of friends would be more than happy with what this title brings to the table, with Viva Pinata: Party Animals being the only outright bad game in a series that is pretty entertaining otherwise.
However, it seems that Microsoft themselves have decided to bury this franchise for good, given the sheer amount of time that has passed since the last Viva Pinata game. However, fans are still hopeful that they'll be able to play as their favorite stuffed animals and have a great time with friends and family once again.
7 Otogi (Average Metacritic Score: 80)
Otogi: Myth of Demons and its sequel, Otogi: Immortal Warriors, were two hack-and-slash action titles for the original Xbox that gained major acclaim upon release, but have since become more obscure titles.
It's worth pointing out that the Otogi games come from FromSoftware, the developers responsible for such current-gen action masterpieces as the Dark Souls games. That manic energy is still present in the monster-slaying madness of Otogi. Even though the games are slightly more primitive, they're still very satisfying experiences that deserve more recognition.
6 Fable (Average Metacritic Score: 85)
Peter Molyneux is one of the most innovative game developers of all time and his major Xbox contribution, Fable, marks some of his best work. Fable tackles the standard fantasy RPG genre, but the titles have a deep focus on moralistic choices and the consequences of the player’s decisions.
Each game in the series takes a radical leap into the future and adds more to the already-polished gameplay. Fable 3 goes the furthest and adds political quandaries as a corrupt King must be overthrown. Fable 3 may have migrated to the PC, but it’s still seen as an Xbox series.
5 Microsoft Flight Simulator (Average Metacritic Score: 86)
Most people would assume that simulating the act of flying a game isn't all that engaging in the slightest, but they would be wrong. After all, there's a reason why Microsoft Flight Simulator has such a large and dedicated fanbase who love the act of understanding how planes work before flying them through realistic and jaw-dropping environments that look as close to real life as possible.
The graphics and addictive simulation gameplay of this title make it a great game to check out for fans of the genre. It can be a bit complex, but the attention to detail when it comes to the aviation mechanics in this title makes it worthwhile for players with specific tastes and interests.
4 Gears Of War (Average Metacritic Score: 88)
Gears of War is another pivotal franchise for Microsoft that’s been around since the original Xbox. The games are a brilliant mix of third-person shooters and tactical gameplay that also works in a complex story and alien enemies that are fun to exterminate.
The Gears games have remained consistent over the years and the recent return to the franchise, Gears 5, is proof that the magic isn’t lost and that this franchise isn’t going anywhere. The addition of robust cooperative gameplay has only given the titles more appeal.
3 Forza Motorsport (Average Metacritic Score: 88)
Plenty of video games capitalize on large open-world environments and how much they can push the console’s hardware to the limit, but there’s something very soothing in the reliability of racing games. All sorts of racing franchises exist, but Xbox has worked hard to make its Forza games some of the most memorable in the genre.
Forza Motorsport is the game fans should check out if they want more realistic simulations as opposed to outright arcade experiences. It's a ton of fun to play through, with each title featuring excellent car customization, engaging gameplay, and pulse-pounding racing action.
2 Forza Horizon (Average Metacritic Score: 89)
Xbox has gone in hard on the Forza brand with both the Forza Horizon and Motorsport series having multiple entries. Despite steady releases, the Forza games haven’t sacrificed quality and are still benchmarks of the genre.
A great example of this is the Forza Horizon series, which are games that focus on open-world environments that players can traverse to their heart's content. The festive feeling present in each game coupled with the many cinematic racing events make this game a must-play for any racing fan worth their salt.
1 Halo (Average Metacritic Score: 91)
The Xbox had a bit of a difficult start when it debuted as the newest console, but the addition of the first-person shooter, Halo: Combat Evolved, instantly gave the console legitimacy. The Halo games are a major step forward for the FPS genre. They proved that the Xbox could confidently lead when it came to multiplayer and online gaming.
The series has taken its breaks, but it’s remarkable that after a dozen games the franchise has been able to maintain its high mark of quality. The Halo franchise remains synonymous with not only the Xbox but pristine shooters in general.